The Orinoco-Ventuari Region, Venezuela

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Abstract
The expedition was organized for ornithological research. Dr. Hitchcock accompanied it for geographical study. The region between the Orinoco and the Ventuari is for the most part covered with deciduous tropical forest, and it is not until the Rio Manipiare is reached that extensive grasslands are found. Along the Rio Ventuari, savanna reaches the river only locally; elsewhere dense woods extend to the banks. Savannas are extensive along the Rio Parucito; annual fires are responsible for the extension of grasslands. After fires, the surviving vegetation consists largely of coarse bunch grasses and scattered chaparro trees. At higher levels, there is a dense tangle of bracken. On the lower slopes of Yavi the trees were low. At about 3900 ft. the trees of the open forest were not taller than 30 ft. At about 4600 ft. the change from tropical to subtropical vegetation was pronounced. Ferns, mosses, and orchids were more common. At 5723 ft. the trees were heavily clothed in moss, characteristic of the wet subtropical forest of the Guayana region. On the summit the vegetation was principally low and scrubby, with thick succulent leaves. Bunch grasses covered much of the rockier areas. Rubber is found along the upper Orinoco and the Ventuari. Chicle, sarrapia (tongka bean), and balata are the principal products, and are collected in the dry season. Botanical collections made by the expedition will be reported upon later.

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